North Dakota First Lady, Businesses Gather to Show Support of North Dakota National Guard

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, thanks major contributors to the North Dakota National Guard's Emergency Relief Fund at the state capitol's Memorial Hall on Nov. 14. Sprynczynatyk is joined by North Dakota First Lady Mikey Hoeven; Rob Keller, North Dakota National Guard Family Program Office director and Tom Freier, North Dakota Family Alliance. The event was held at the North Dakota State Capitol's Memorial Hall.  

UNITED STATES

11.14.2008

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

North Dakota National Guard

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota First Lady Mikey Hoeven, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, and representatives from nearly 20 businesses and other organizations gathered today in the Memorial Hall at the State Capitol to celebrate a shared purpose; supporting and honoring military families.

The North Dakota Family Alliance has chosen to focus on military families during North Dakota's annual Family Week, Nov. 16-22, as recently proclaimed by North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven. On Nov. 14, Mikey Hoeven read the proclamation, which included a specific reference to the importance of recognizing "... the service and sacrifice of military families in our state who have borne the hardships of war with courage and devotion."

"This is a time to celebrate the importance of family values in North Dakota by participating in events that focus on families and spending time together," said Mikey Hoeven.

Sprynczynatyk echoed those sentiments, saying that Soldiers and Airmen and their families are his top priority.

"What we are doing here today makes taking care of our Guard family that much easier," he said. A part of taking care of military families, Guardsmen and all of our service men and women was demonstrated here today by some key organizations who have been generous contributors to the North Dakota National Guard Emergency Relief Fund and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors."

Rob Keller, Family Program Office director, reiterated the importance of offering support to military family members, who nobly serve our country here at home.

"It is extremely important to the mindset and well-being of Soldiers and Airmen to know that their families are being taken care of while they are serving their country abroad," Keller said.

The event also recognized major contributors to the Family Assistance Emergency Relief Fund and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, including Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bob's Fireworks City LLC of Bismarck, Bobcat Company, Cass-Clay Creamery Inc., Comstock Land Co. of Fargo, DuraTech Industries International Inc. of Jamestown, First Evangelical Free Church of Bismarck, Freedom Riders, Job Service North Dakota, Kemper Construction Co. of Minot, Knights of Columbus of Jamestown, North Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association, North Dakota Well Drillers Association of Dickinson, Ressler Chevrolet of Mandan, St. Paul the Apostle Parish of Minot, TriWest Healthcare Alliance of Phoenix, Ariz., Veracity Motors Inc. of Bismarck and West Acres Development of Fargo.

One of those contributors, TriWest, made another major contribution to the Emergency Relief Fund during today's event. Scott Celley, TriWest Healthcare Alliance vice president of external affairs, presented a check for $15,000 to Sprynczynatyk on behalf of the organization.

"All of us would like to express our appreciation to those of you who volunteer to wear the uniform and serve our country proudly," Celley said. "We cannot do enough to thank and support you and your families."

TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to support the healthcare needs military family members. The organization has been a consistent supporter of the Emergency Relief Fund.

The Emergency Relief Fund supports the needs of the more than 4,300 N.D. National Guardsmen and service members from other branches and their families by providing financial support in sudden and unforeseen emergency situations, such as natural disasters, accident, illness, fire or theft. To date, more than $100,000 has been distributed to 60 families in need.

TAPS provides a support network for surviving families of those who have died in service to America. 70 North Dakota families in have found support in TAPS, which offers grief support and support from their peers, as well as camps and seminars for survivors.

• Date Taken: 11.14.2008
• Date Posted: 11.14.2008 18:28
• Story ID: 26372
• Location: US